Abstract: A system for transmitting and receiving data using an industrial expansion bus connected to a chassis is provided, the industrial expansion bus having a plurality of module slots, the system having a programmable logic controller (PLC) control rack and a PLC remote rack. The PLC control rack has a first embedded central processing unit (CPU), and a first peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) module adapted to send and receive PCIe compliant signals. The PLC remote rack has a second PCIe module adapted to send and receive PCIe compliant signals, and a second embedded CPU. The first PCIe module and the second PCIe module are communicatively coupled with cable to provide an interface between the first and second CPUs. A method for polling a local peripheral and a distant peripheral is also provided.

Abstract: A memory module for a computer-based system. The memory module includes at least one memory device that requires periodic refresh signals to maintain data and is mounted on the memory module, and a circuit mounted on the memory module and configured to retain data stored on the memory device when the computer-based system loses power. In a separate embodiment, a control circuit is configured to logically detach at least one memory device from at least one memory controller when a computer-based system loses power, and retain data stored on the memory device when the computer-based system loses power.

Abstract: A memory module for a computer-based system. The memory module includes at least one memory device that requires periodic refresh signals to maintain data and is mounted on the memory module, and a circuit mounted on the memory module and configured to retain data stored on the memory device when the computer-based system loses power. In a separate embodiment, a control circuit is configured to logically detach at least one memory device from at least one memory controller when a computer-based system loses power, and retain data stored on the memory device when the computer-based system loses power.